Criticism was also heard from some quarters that a work of this calibre was too ambitious for our modest resources, but except for occasional lapses the performance was creditable to the performers and enjoyable to the audience. There was some lack of cohesion in the second violins and an occasional wrong note in the heavy brass was unfortunately the more conspicuous because the brass had not the backing of a full complement of strings. The timpani also seemed unduly prominent. On the other hand the woodwind section with two flutes, clarinets and bassoons (but only one oboe) sounded remarkably complete, the bassoons especially, without undue prominence, giving depth to it. This performance invited comparison with that of last term in the School Chapel. Undoubtedly the work gains by being performed with orchestra : the chorus sounded fuller in Big Hall than in Chapel; and the soloists, Mary Collier, Arthur Taylor (who took the part previously sung by Kendell and Mason) and Eustace Piers, sounded less remote. In particular, Mary Collier's singing of "With verdure clad" seemed entirely convincing and perfectly suited to her clear voice. Arthur Taylor and Eustace Piers gave us the quality of performance we have come to expect from hearing them together in "Elijah". Our thanks are due to Mr. Collier and Mr. Howat for designing and carrying out decorations and additional lighting on the stage. Mr. Wicks, seated at a piano strategically placed on the floor of the hall, accompanied the recitatives and gave the chorus confidence. Mr. Stevens, who 'had taken the strings for many sectional practices. led the orchestra. Mr. Waine, who had trained the chorus and orchestra, conducted.
THE SCIENCE SOCIETY President: E. K. ROBINSON, Esca., B.Sc. Hon. Secretary: R. J. GIBSON. Hon. Treasurer: M. A. CROSS.
Only four meetings were held this term. The first meeting was on 15th January, Mr. Crews being in the chair, when four films were shown. The first was on "Soil Erosion" This partly man-made problem is important in many countries, especially in America, China, and India. The film dealt mainly with erosion in India and showed how it came about. The work of the villagers, advised by the forestry commission, in bringing about a cure was also shown. The second film was entitled "Silkworms to the Parachute", and showed in detail the silk industry in India. The life history and breeding of the silk moth was described. Finally the manufacture of parachutes from silk was illustrated. "The Life Cycle of Maize" was the third film. The 34
